Crafting is fun for all ages and interests. This blog evolved from researching resources for friends and articles I write as a freelance writer. It is a place to share the information I discovered. Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am always looking at new projects ideas for family and friends in areas of my own abilities and theirs.
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Friday, July 29, 2011

This book combines 40 prize winning afghan patterns with stories of state fairs that awarded the prizes and biographies of the winners.

I am working on Washington's Bright Waves and so far have found the directions clear and easy to follow. I hope to have it finished for a Christmas present. When it is finished, I will post pictures. There are several other state afghans I am interested in trying.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Candy Corn Man is the second item I have made from Crochet Village's Halloween Ghoulies pattern set that I received as a birthday present. I had barely finished the head when it became clear this amigurumi would not be making it into the Halloween box for the trip. This is to be an office Ami. I will need to complete a second one for my Halloween package. Once the high top sneakers emerged, there was no question that this guy was not leaving the state.

I have seen several candy corn patterns, but it was the tennis shoes that made this pattern make the cut off list for my Halloween package. I already have some patterns that are being put off until next year. It never hurts to have something new to work on each year.

I used Red Heart Super Saver and Caron One Pound Yarn to complete the project. Instead of crocheting the eyes, I used safety eyes. After having finished another dinosaur I will be blogging about this week another candy man is next on my crochet list along with an afghan I am experimenting with for Christmas.

I am really excited about my dino projects. I want to make some for a family birthday close to Christmas and others for Christmas presents. I am also thinking they would be good for donations if I can get myself organized. I am developing a collection of patterns that will delight the children and keep me from never wanting to make another dino again. As much as I love Gourmet Crochet's Amigurumi Dinosaurs, I have made so many that I needed to try something new.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

This was the pattern that convinced me to purchase Simply Amigurumi: 10 Crochet Projects. I received a request for more play food for a pretend kitchen for Christmas. While I have some food patterns, this cheeseburger pattern was the best I have seen so far.

What I found original about this pattern is the way the items were put together. The cheese was not made as a traditional square, which is what I had anticipated. The burger was created in one piece but had an upper and lower piece to give the burger depth without stuffing it. The lettuce was a fun pattern to work on and the tomatoes were different from what I previously seen.

I still have not found a burger bun pattern I like. I pinned the buns together and this helped with shaping them a bit.

One criticism I do have about this pattern is that it does not have all the directions written out. Some people will state this is the sign of a lazy crocheter, but I like having my directions written out line by line. I am not a fan of a math project in the middle of my crocheting. I ended up writing out the directions for the increases and decreases in the book for future reference.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

I have looked at the granny square book online and in person several times. It is always just off my top list of books to buy. However, with a limited selection at Michaels, I finally had a great excuse to buy it. I love the patterns and look forward to playing with them.

Simply Amigurumi was another book I had considered buying, but there were always other books ahead on my list. I love the food patterns in this book. I already have completed the hamburger and will be blogging about that this week. The animals are cute, but I would probably not have purchased it for the animals alone.

The unexpected benefit of buying this book was the directions. I have tried to master the magic circle for ages. I have looked at online videos, read several directions, and even had an instructor try to explain it at an amigurumi class I took at the local library. I would "sort" of get it, but not be able to replicate the circle again. When I saw the magic circle in this book, I figured I would substitute my alternate method for starting a circle. However as I looked at the pictures, something clicked and I decided to try it. I still cannot make one without looking at the picture. However, I am making Candy Corn Man from Crochet Village's Halloween Ghoulies using magic circles. I have to look at the book to do it, but eventually I think I will be able to memorize the process.

I still have a little money left on my card for some yarn or notions. Gift cards make for shopping fun.

Friday, July 22, 2011

This book uses traditional Japanese chart methods for recording amigurumi patterns rather than the way American books tend to use words to record crochet toy patterns. This can be confusing if you have not used charts. However, it is a chance to learn the method, which is common in amigurumi's that originate in Japan. Those not familiar with Japanese amigurumi may be confused with some of the language. The author uses the word knitting for crochet and some of the sewing terms are not used in ways familiar to Americans. If have previous experience with ami's the language should not be an issue.

The pictures that illustrate creating the basic dog are detailed. Considering the language differences, they provide great explanations for constructing the toys. The instructions for assembling the toys are very descriptive. With the added illustrations, it is easy to work through the differences in language. I have never read an ami pattern with the level of detail for assembly that this author has included for each of the dogs.

I have a hard time reading charts while working on crocheting. I know others who prefer the charts. While I like the dogs, I have to consider if I want to work through writing out the patterns so my brain can handle the process of reading and crocheting at the same time. Since I have a long list of patterns that are written in a format that is easy for me to read, I am not sure this is going to be on my list for now.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

As I mentioned in my birthday post, I had been looking for a Mummy pattern when I found Halloween Ghoulies at Crochet Village. I put the pattern on my birthday list and was very happy when it was one of the ones my husband selected.

This was the first of my birthday patterns I crocheted. I used Caron One Pound yarn. One change I would make next time is to use sports yarn and adjust the required stitches to make the bandages. The worsted weight yarn made the bandages just a little to thick to work with when wrapping the mummy body.

I did change the pattern by adding saftey eyes instead of crocheting the eyes. My wrapping pattern was different than the one in the pattern picture. Another pattern alteration I made is that my Mummy stands. The one in the picture is sitting. I am looking forward to making more mummies in the future.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I have been slowly converting Mom to making knitted toys. I keep purchasing knitted doll clothes and toy patterns. I recently purchased several of Jean Greenhowe's knitted books to put away for Christmas and was surprised to find a collection of knitted dinosaurs in Jean Greenhowe's Toy Collection.

The book includes patterns for three knitted dinosaurs and cavemen. The cavemen could easily be converted into little people for those interested in making a variety of play sets.

The book also includes patterns for knitted teddy bears, an octopus, Christmas patterns, and bunnies.

Many people ask me where to find dinosaur patterns and I know I am always looking for new crochet dino patterns. Since these patterns are hidden inside a book, it seemed like a good idea to share my find with others.

As of this blog post, this book is still in print. I have seen it offered at second hand stores for more than the price of a new copy. I buy many second hand pattern books and it is important to check to make sure the books are out of print to determine if the value of the book has increased.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I thought I was done with doll's clothes for the Halloween season after completing this outfit but was reminded I left out Stacie, one of Barbie's sisters. I have few Stacie patterns, but will have to see if I can modify something for her to wear.

I started with the idea of making a witch costume for the American Girl using Bizzy Crochet's Fun and Funky Free Witch Costume. While hers is beautifully colored, my goal was to make a solid black outfit. I did well with the hat, but found the dress was more challenging than I was prepared to handle that day. So I decided to resort to my favorite free Pilgrim Pattern and play with that pattern. I shortened the dress, added increases to make the skirt fuller and used the same edgings as the free Barbie Witch Costume to decorate the arms and the skirt.

The book includes instructions in woven crochet, hairpin lace, tapestry, aran, entrelac, Tunisian, filet, double-ended, overlay, bead, budges, painted, free-form, Irish, and wire crochet. The book includes introductory directions for each of the methods and I found the directions to be clear and accompanied with useful pictures.

The book focuses mostly on clothing and one chapter focuses on fashion crocheting. As most of my readers know, I am not a clothing crocheter. I make mostly toys, doll's clothes, and home items. While I eventually want to learn some of these techniques for their uses in making afghans and other home items, these patterns do not focus on those projects.

There are several other books on my list of books to buy. I suspect that I would likely borrow this book when I wanted to explore these techniques further. If I made clothes, this book would be of more use to me.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I made myself a promise that I was going to do more charity crocheting this year. When I saw the posting for a Hospital Toy Drive at Crochetville I realized this was a great chance to add to my commitments in a fun way.

I wish I had more notice, but I did manage to have some fun putting together my box.

The Dinosaurs

Knights, Princesses, and Dragon Finger Puppets

Alien Finger Puppet

I really enjoyed this project. This has me pursuing some local charities that accept hand donated toys. I need to put a reminder on my calendar for January to put a few toys away for this drive for next year. It is easier to work ahead than trying to do it at the last minute.

As you can see from my picture, I did not change to orange as the pattern suggested. I preferred the solid black to the orange accents. However, there should be no problem for anyone adapting the pattern to add the orange should they choose.

I loved the idea of adding the mask although it did take a little work to get it right. Not having made the Barbie Witch, I do not know if similar problems exist if you make the pattern with the heavier worsted weight yarn. The hat worked up well and I am thinking about playing with it as a second option for the American Girl. The original Barbie pattern does include arms, but as I explained before, dressing skipper with her bent arms can prove challenging. I need to experiment more to make them user friendly.

Next year I think I will switch and make Skipper a Ghost Costume and send Barbie a Witch Costume.

I am currently working on an American Girl Doll Witch Costume combining multiple free patterns. I will post about that when I am finished.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Monday, July 11, 2011

We celebrated my birthday over the weekend. Since I have started crocheting my birthday lists I give to my husband have gotten more centralized, patterns, mostly e-patterns that I don't want to download myself. While he always finds ways to surprise me, he also likes a list. On birthdays, holidays, etc. he asks me for the list and then picks items off it to give me.

My birthday had a spectacular haul of wonderful patterns this year. I cannot wait to get started making them. I am sure my posts will include updates as I get them made.

If you read my blog, you will know my tastes run mostly to toys so you should not be surprised with the patterns I received.

There is a theme here. I have been making the same dino patterns repeatedly and really wanted to see some other styles. I have followed Wolf Dreamer's blog and used some of her free patterns. This set has been on my list for a while. I am excited to try them.

If you follow this blog, you know I make holiday packages to send out to the younger members of this family. I am currently working on the Halloween one. I saw this pattern and while I have some cute Frankenstein patterns, I really wanted to see this Mummy pattern. This is on my top list to start. My husband hit a free BOGO promotion when he was shopping so he got me a pattern that was not on my list but that I love because it gives me some new patterns for my Easter packages.

I came across this pattern while searching on Etsy one day for holiday patterns. The author does not use a name but a handle bvoe688. Both sides of our family love snowmen so this pattern was necessary. My husband has already requested one for his office. After I finish the Halloween patterns, I will have to get to work on this pattern.

I have wanted to make a dragon for a while. This pattern looked like a good starting point. I have tried some of the free patterns and have not been happy with my outcomes. I suspect it has more to do with my talent then the patterns. This one looked like something I could manage and kid friendly when it was finished which was my goal.

Previous experience with Deb's patterns has made me feel that I can tackle this one.

The last pattern on my very generous birthday pile was from Lucy Ravenscar. I received her Star Wars patterns for Christmas and now that I have a young relative that loves the series, I am starting to work through them. However, her Witch/Wizard caught my eye not just for my Halloween project, but because it teaches one how to change the hair/clothing styles on the projects to create more toys. I usually end up working through this myself, so having some suggestions and new techniques is a welcome idea. I am looking for new little people to include in my packages. These may work.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Armina Ami-Nals' Hello Kitty patterns have been a great help and inspiration for creating my own Hello Kitty's. Her witch pattern is still my basic body pattern, but I have expanded my dress making techniques to include my experience with doll clothes. For those of you interested in patterns, you can find links to her free patterns and others on the Hello Kitty page.

The cap was developed using the free Betsy Ross Barbie crochet pattern. I followed the patterns suggested increases until it was big enough for the Kitty's head.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Friday, July 1, 2011

The dress for this outfit is based on a free Pilgrim pattern created by Darski that can be found on Crochetville here. I made the skirt fuller by continuing her increase pattern until the skirt was shaped in the style I wanted for this gown. The cap was developed using the free Betsy Ross Barbie crochet pattern. I continued increasing the DC's until I had the size I wanted for the 18" doll. The apron was made following the Pilgrim pattern and trimming it with the Betsy Ross Barbie apron trim.

I used Red Heart and Caron One Pound worsted weight yarn. I have been using Favorite Findings buttons as they come in multiple colors and sizes in their packages and the prices are affordable. I buy various colors and store them in recycled storage packaging, as the little packets they come in are not designed for long-term use.

I wanted to have time to make a shawl for this doll, but I ran out of time. Perhaps next year another doll will have a holiday outfit that includes a shawl with the outfit.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations: